Raymarine ST4000 autohelm

[elaine2014]

Hi all

Just acquired a new boat and thrilled, however looking at the electronic kit on board and had a quick question I was hoping you could answer.

The boat is fitted with a Horizon CP3100I GPS unit, as well as a Raymarine ST4000 auto helm device, it would be great if these two could interact, as they do not currently but I have a feeling that is just down to the previous owner not exploring this option.

Been looking around through these forums and using Google however to no joy, does anyone have a idea if this is possible? if so, could they point me in the right direction?

Thanks for all your time.

 

[DaveS]

Since no-one else has responded, my 2p...

Firstly I would recommend downloading the instruction manuals of both bits of kit from their respective manufacturers' websites, if these weren't left on the boat by the previous owner. I connected a ST2000+ to a Navman plotter, and it's really just a matter of following the instructions. 2 core screened cable is probably best, with the screen connected to 0V at one end only.

Having said that, what you will gain is "track" function, i.e. the ability to follow individual legs of the route currently active on the plotter. I must say that, while I use both plotter and autohelm almost 100% of the time (I single hand), I very rarely use the "track" function. I connected it up (as I later did with a wind instrument) to obtain functionality that was possible, but in both cases "the possible" is not necessary very useful.

However, do connect it up and try for yourself. Providing you can route it fairly easily, the only cost is a few £s for wire.

 

[richardbrennan]

I have an ST4000 (tiller version) and it is fully interfaced with a Garmin plotter. I also find the "track" function of little practical benefit, but you also get X-track error, bearing to waypoint, and distance to waypoint available on the autopilot display which I do find very useful. As DaveS says, it's simply a matter of wiring them up properly, my current plotter is NMEA 2000 but it all worked just a well with my previous plotter which was NMEA 0183.

 

[Ric]

As others point out, track option is only really useful for motorists. When sailing only heading and wind modes work.

Having said that, the piece of kit you need to connect it up is a Raymarine E85001 NMEA-Seatalk converter.

 

[DaveS]

As others point out, track option is only really useful for motorists. When sailing only heading and wind modes work.

Having said that, the piece of kit you need to connect it up is a Raymarine E85001 NMEA-Seatalk converter.

Are you sure about that? I haven't had any dealings with the 4000, but my 2000+ currently accepts plotter data in NMEA 0183 and used to simultaneously take in wind information in Seatalk (until the Raymarine wind instrument died).